This article was co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.

There are 33 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Allergens can make indoor spaces uncomfortable. But, the good news is that there are a number of ways to allergy proof your home. Start by establishing a weekly cleaning routine that includes washing all linens and drapes in hot water and hypoallergenic detergent. Use only green cleaners for an extra layer of protection. De-clutter your home to minimize dust and remove any carpet, if possible. Adding room air filters will also give you a much needed breath of fresh air.

Use only green cleaners. Choose only green cleaners, which are ones that do not contain bleach and quats (quaternary ammonium compounds). These chemicals are known for triggering allergic reactions. Or, make your own home cleaning solution by mixing together 50% water and 50% distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle.[1]XResearch source

Some groups, such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG), evaluate and list green cleaning products on their websites. Checking these listings will tell you whether or not a particular product is allergy-friendly and made without potentially harmful chemicals.[2]XResearch source

You can also make your own green cleaning products with ingredients like baking soda, lemon juice, white vinegar, and others. For example, you can make a glass cleaner with 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water. A simple all-purpose cleaning powder contains equal parts dry baking soda and washing powder – you just have to spray this mixture with white vinegar.

Stick to a weekly cleaning routine. On the same day each week, mop/vacuum your floors. Use a dusting wand or microfiber cloth to wipe down other surfaces. Don't forget to look up top, too. Ceiling fans, crown molding, and the tops of bookshelves are all places where allergens can gather.[3]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

If possible, allergy sufferers should leave household cleaning to someone else. If the person with allergies must clean, wear a disposable dust mask, especially while vacuuming.

Get a HEPA vacuum. These types of vacuums are designed to remove and trap small particles, even down to 0.3 microns in size. Look for the seal of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (or a similar organization for your country). Be aware that some vacuums are marketed as “allergen removers,” without being HEPA.[4]XResearch source

Throw out and wipe down the debris collection area of your vacuum after each use. This will keep allergens from sneaking back out into your home.

Place covers on your pillows and mattresses. Buy covers that are woven with a fabric pore size smaller than 6 microns. This means that the openings in the weave are too small to let in dust mites and other allergens. The cover should zip-on and be washable for even more protection. Buy enough covers to fit your box spring, mattress, and sleep/throw pillows.[5]XResearch source

Non-woven covers have a shorter lifespan and are more likely to collect allergens in their dimpled areas.[6]XTrustworthy SourceConsumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testingGo to source

Wash all linens at least once a week. Gather all of your bed sheets, pillowcases, and linen covers. Throw everything into the washing machine and set it to “Hot.” You want the water to get to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius) in order to kill off the allergens. For an extra level of cleanliness, you can dry everything on high heat.[7]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

If you linens' care instructions say to avoid hot water or high heat, go ahead and wash your items on a cool setting. If they are particularly dirty, consider dropping them off for dry cleaning.

Don't forget to wash your children's stuffed animals. Remove any loose parts, place the animals in a mesh laundry bag, and throw them in your dryer on high heat for a half-cycle (around 20 minutes) to kill off any dust mites.[8]XResearch source

Wash or remove fabric window treatments. Choose curtains that are machine-washable and clean them on a monthly basis, at minimum. You can also vacuum them weekly using a brush attachment. Even better, replace the fabric with wooden blinds or shades.[9]XResearch source

Take care of your bathroom. Every two years or so, peel up the caulk around your sinks and tubs and apply a fresh coat. Remove and replace any cracked or damaged tiles at the same time. Cleaning your bathroom carefully every week will keep mold at bay as well. Use a 50-50 water and distilled white vinegar mixture as a cleaning solution.[10]XResearch source

During your weekly cleaning, wipe down all of the tile surfaces, mirrors, knobs, and faucets. Don't forget to quickly mop or sweep the floors.

Add mats to all doorways. Place a mat outside each entryway and one inside as well. These mats will catch and trap many irritants, keeping your home cleaner. Shake them out often. You could also make a policy of removing your shoes when inside and ask guests to do the same.[11]XResearch source

If you go with the no-shoes option, place a basket or bookshelf bin by each doorway for shoe storage.

Remove or store any clutter. Go from room to room and gather any items that are gathering dust or need to be thrown away. Recycle or toss any extra newspapers or magazines. Look for any knickknacks that you can place into plastic bins for storage.[12]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Don't forget to look over your child's room. Extra toys or stuffed animals could be donated or stored in bins.

Replace flooring with hardwood or tile. Carpet absorbs almost every category of allergen, like pet dander and dust. Pulling up the carpet, especially in your bedroom and bathrooms, will substantially reduce your level of allergens in your home. If you must have carpet, go with a low-pile and shampoo it frequently.[13]XResearch source

If you are worried about your floors being too cold, add in some washable area rugs.[14]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Select easy-to-clean furniture. Look for dressers, chairs, bed frames, and other pieces that are made of less allergenic materials, like plastic, metal, or leather. Some types of sealed or natural woods are also okay if they are without major grooves where dust can hide. Avoid upholstered furniture whenever possible as it is next to impossible to fully clean.[15]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

While vintage wood or painted furniture can be attractive to the eye, it might harbor problematic allergens like off-gas and lead paint.[16]XResearch source

Keep your pets well groomed. Bathe and comb your pets as often as you can. This is especially important to do during seasonal changes when loose hair and dander reaches their peak. Establish a “pet-free zone” in your home, usually your bedroom, where the air quality will be close to dander-free.[17]XResearch source

People who ban their cats or dogs from their bedrooms are less likely to develop animal allergies as an adult.[18]XResearch source

Toss any plug-ins. Those cute little plug-in air fresheners or candles may be sending out volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home's air. These VOCs can then cause or make worse any respiratory problems. They can also trigger headaches and migraines.[19]XResearch source

Open the windows. Go into each room and crack at least one window on a weekly basis. Pollen counts peak between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so it's best to open everything up in the early morning or evening. Even keeping your windows open for ten minutes can refresh the air in your home.[20]XResearch source

Installing screens on your windows and keeping your air conditioning running will help to limit the outdoor allergens (and pests) that will enter your home.[21]XResearch source

3

Run a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom. HEPA filter air purifiers are great for removing dust, pollen, and other irritants from the air in your home. You may want to keep a couple in the rooms that you spend the most time, but at least keep 1 running in your bedroom at night.

Poor air quality can lead to serious health conditions, such as stroke, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), so running an air purifier may be beneficial for your health.[22]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source

Take care of your indoor plants. Household plants, such as English Ivy, can absorb toxins in the air and help to keep your home allergen free. However, they can also release mold into the air if they are overwatered or not trimmed back. Select plants that you are comfortable caring for and you'll see cleaner air as a result.[23]XResearch source

Install true exhaust fans. The fans in your kitchen and bathroom should send the air they suck in directly outside. Otherwise, you may be shooting dangerous moisture and particles into your attic or right back into your home. Follow the track of your exhaust fans and install new ones if necessary.[24]XResearch source

Use a hygrometer. Purchase this device at your local hardware store and go from room-to-room checking the readings. Follow the instructions on the package. If you get more than 60 percent humidity in any space, then you'll want to put a dehumidifier in that area. High humidity creates an ideal breeding ground for mold.[25]XResearch source

High temperature can also contribute to mold. Try to keep your home temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20-22 Celsius).[26]XResearch source

Complete an air testing kit. Buy a household air care kit at a hardware store or online. Follow the directions carefully and gather the samples as requested. When you send off the materials, you'll receive a report back that will assess the levels of allergens, such as dust mites, in your home. This will help you to target certain problem areas.[27]XResearch source

Meet with an allergist. They will perform a series of tests to see exactly what you are allergic to. They can also offer suggestions regarding minimizing allergens in the home. Some will even do “home visits” to allergy-proof your space.[28]XResearch source

Change your air filters. Look at the manufacturer's instructions for your AC unit and change filters according to that schedule. Install a filter that has a MERV rating of 8 to 12. A pleated filter is a good idea, too. For extra protection, add portable room air filters. These trap allergens in the air and require regular cleaning/filter changes.[29]XResearch source

Make sure that none of your portable filters produce ozone as part of their cleaning process. This can irritate allergy sufferers.[30]XResearch source

Advertisement

Community Q&A

Tips

Your solutions don't only have to address your home. You can also help your allergies by taking good care of your own immune system. For example, try the following to keep your immune system in top shape:

Stay well-hydrated. Drink plenty of water and non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.

Exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity per day.

Get enough sleep. The average adult needs between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

Take vitamin C. Getting regular vitamin C can help to strengthen your body's immune system; not enough may weaken your defenses.[31]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source

Try a nasal saline spray. Nasal saline treatments like Neti pots can flush allergens from your sinuses, restore moisture, and reduce inflammation. Using them regularly may also help to reduce mucus and cleanse your sinuses of bacteria.

Shower before bed. This sounds simple, and it is. Showering before bed will rinse off any pollen or allergens that you've picked up on your body and hair during the day.

About this article

This article was co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.

To allergy proof your home, vacuum your floors once a week to remove dust particles and other allergens. Afterwards, clean surfaces with a half water, half white vinegar solution and a microfiber cloth to keep mold at bay. Once you've finished cleaning, wash your bedding on a hot setting to kill any allergens. For your pillows and cushions, cover them with material woven with a fabric pore size of less than 6 microns, which will stop dust getting in. If you’re still worried about the amount of dust in your home, place a mat at every doorway to catch irritants. Additionally, get rid of plug-in air fresheners, which can release organic material that causes allergies. To learn more from our Medical co-author on how to allergy proof your home if you have pets, keep reading!